Endorsements and Support

The following are just a few of the endorsements received by Philippa over the period of the IndyRef campaign and, more recently, during her successful bid to be the Central Ayrshire SNP MP.

Alex Salmond MSP

Philippa Whitford is an excellent candidate and will make a first class MP. The YouTube video in which she warned of the dangers to Scotland of privatisation and cuts in the NHS influenced the direction of the Yes campaign, particularly in the closing weeks, and helped us gain ground. Philippa worked hard in the Yes Campaign speaking to voters across the country and persuading many to our cause. I have no doubt that, as an MP, she will work hard for the people of Ayrshire and, as part of a strong SNP Westminster group, the people of Scotland as a whole.

Like many SNP members I was thrilled when I heard Philippa was putting herself forward as a potential candidate. During the campaign I spoke beside her all over the South of Scotland and was really impressed not just by her skills as a public speaker but her ability to persuade voters on a one to one basis to move to Yes. Philippa will, without a doubt, win this seat for us. She has huge personal respect locally as a doctor and breast cancer fundraiser. The expertise she will bring to the SNP benches in Westminster will be a real asset to the party at a time when TTIP and the marketisation of the NHS in England could directly affect our healthcare here in Scotland. I know for a fact that Philippa’s stunning video on YouTube influenced the direction of the campaign in the closing weeks and helped us get tantalisingly close to a Yes vote. I would urge each and every member to think about who can best deliver a victory, who will best enhance the SNP’s profile and give Philippa you first choice vote in the ballot. She will do us proud.

Aileen McLeod MSP

I got to know Philippa during last year’s independence referendum campaign out and about campaigning in Dumfries and Galloway. I’m delighted to support her potential candidacy to stand for the Central Ayrshire constituency at the Westminster election in May this year.

I was hugely impressed by Philippa, not just in terms of her clear passion and commitment to helping to ensure Scotland’s national health service is protected from privatization south of the border and that the achievements of the NHS in Scotland are protected but also for everything she did during the referendum campaign to share her experience and expertise the length and breadth of Scotland.

Philippa has all the qualities to become an SNP candidate – she is extremely hard working, very able, articulate, down to earth and incredibly approachable. All of these qualities together with her experience of grassroots campaigning will stand her in good stead in representing the interests and concerns of the people of Central Ayrshire.

We need a strong team of SNP MPs at Westminster to hold the Westminster parties to account for their promises and to deliver the powers we need to make Scotland a fairer and more prosperous place for everyone to live. Philippa will make an excellent member of our SNP team at Westminster.

The First Minister: Yes, I do. One of Scotland’s
prominent breast surgeons, Dr Philippa Whitford—
someone who, as far as I know, has never
previously been involved in politics—has spoken
out so articulately on the issue precisely because
she can see the danger to the NHS in Scotland,
which is the consequence of privatisation south of
the border.

Pat Kane

The indyref brought many passionate and capable people into the political spotlight, as we went up and down the country’s church halls and community centres. Few were more persuasive and powerful – especially on the topic of protecting our NHS – than Dr Phillippa Whitford. I was privileged to speak with her on a few occasions, and her womanly wisdom (and amazing life experiences) had audiences of all persuasions in the palm of her hand. For her people skills, and her authoritative background on health, women’s and social issues in general, I can think of few better people I would love to see causing all kinds of (constructive!) trouble in Westminster than Phillippa. I unreservedly support her candicacy.

Philippa was one of the people I met throughout the referendum campaign who had a genuinely enormous impact. Her articulate and passionate case for why independence was essential to the NHS swayed a lot of voters. She would bring real passion and intelligence to Westminster if she was to become an MP.

Nan MacFarlane, SNP Councillor, Troon

After listening to all the candidates during recent Hustings, Philippa wholeheartedly has my support: her strong principals, inspirational presentations, clear values and her appeal to the electorate is second to none. She was an excellent ambassador for Women for Independence and will run a creditable and robust campaign for the SNP.

Dr. Whitford is the most inspirational speaker in the whole YES campaign. Absolute pleasure to listen to her straight talking, no nonsense, factual speech. I defy anyone who has listened to this to even think about voting no.
Brilliant stuff, thanks to BfS for bringing this and the whole Vision conference to us.